Enhanced photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using TiO2 nanotubes implanted with nitrogen ions

Nitrogen ions-implanted TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) were prepared by the methods of ion implantation and electrochemical anodic oxidation. The prepared samples were applied in photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) oxidation of methyl blue, rhodamine B and bisphenol A. Compared with pure TNTs, morphology, crystallinity, chemical structure, photoelectric and PEC ability of doped samples were greatly promoted because of ion implantation. The experimental results propose that the electronic structure of TiO2 was modified because of the emergence of impurity states in the band gap by introducing nitrogen into the lattice, leading to the absorption of visible light. The synergy effects of tubular structures, doped nitrogen ions and the bias potential on the circuit are responsible for highly efficient and stable PEC activities induced by visible light and UV light. The doped TNTs prepared using the method of ion implantation could be applied to various areas, such as PEC water splitting and dye sensitized solar cells.